Tips for the DIY Natural Hair Mixtress

Tips for the DIY Natural Hair Mixtress

• Less is More

Products with no preservatives do not have a long shelf life (1 to 2 weeks, depending on the ingredients).   When mixing up batches of your favorite hair food, be sure to do so in small quantities and small batches to ensure you are able to make use of it all.

• Refrigerate

Products without preservatives should always be kept in a cool place.

Since most DIY products are natural ingredients without preservatives, they must be kept at a certain temperature to avoid spoiling and potential for microbial contamination.

• Hands Off

To eliminate or reduce the possibility of contamination and the spreading of germs, avoid using your hands or fingers as dipping tools.  This is especially difficult when dealing with jar containers.  Try using a clean, properly sterilized utensil, such as a spatula or measuring spoon to scoop out your product.  You can also try containers with pumps, which are easier to dispense and less likely to expose the product to bacteria.

• Labeling

Once your batch is mixed and ready to be stored, apply labels which document the date the batch was made and the contents of each container.  This will ensure that you discard products in a timely manner, which leads to my next tip.

• Know how to identify expired products

Spoiled products are susceptible to microbial growth and as such are a health hazard. Since most DIY products do not contain preservatives, which kill bacteria, it is important to know the signs. 

Here a few signs of spoilage:

·         No longer does its job – its effectiveness is decreased

·         Rancidity – it begins to have a less than pleasing smell

·         Change in appearance – color changes or emergence of mold

*Tip - Vitamin E and jojoba oils contain natural antioxidants which extend the life of your products

•  Keep a lid on it

To help prevent oxidation, keep containers closed tightly.  Every time you open your container, the products get exposed to air and start to oxidate and degrade, which means the death of your product.  Antioxidants slow down this oxidation process so that your products will last longer. 

• Little black dress storage

When selecting containers to store your DIY product in, darker containers are preferable over clear.  In fact, the less exposure to light the better chance your mixture has a chance of making it to your hair.

P.S.  Don't forget to check me out today and every Friday for fresh new articles on CurlyNikki.com
Please let me know what you think and tell a friend!
XOXO

Happy Birthday To Me

Happy Friday beautiful people!  Operation Happy Birthday to me is in full effect!  My official “born day” is on Sunday, October 2nd and typically I celebrate the entire month of October but I don’t know if I will do that this year.  What I do know is that I will be celebrating this weekend starting immediately after I leave the office.  If you are out and about this weekend, have a drink in honor of my special day and wish me a Happy Birthday.  My personal faves are Margaritas and white wine.  I will be updating frequently on twitter. #librasarehot!    

This week I enlisted some help from some of my blog/vlog sisters/fashionistas on twitter for my look so I will share pics next week!  P.S.  My hair will be some sort of twisty do.  I took my protective twists out this morning so I will not be washing it until Sunday after all of the festivities.  Twist outs are not normally my thing so I may do some type of pin up hairstyle, which will be new for me.  I have never worn my hair pinned up before.

XOXO

Type WTF???? You Tube Video of the Week

So of course everyone has heard about all the Type F foolery, F = foolery.  I call it Type WTF.  This video from your girl, African Export “the realest channel on the YT” had me dying so I had to share.  Love her.

Don't Forget The Locs 3

There are ladies who want to start locs but are unclear as to how to go about it.  What are the steps you took prior to locking? 

Prior to locking I had been natural for about 7 years, so I did not have any “dead” hair that needed to be trimmed off.  When deciding to loc your hair, I recommend locating a stylist who specializes in natural hair, preferably locs.  This way you will have someone who understands each stage and who can prepare you for the different stages of locking.

What are some things you wish you would’ve known prior to locking?  For example: How does one plan on maintaining, how expensive is it, how much time do you need to devote?

To be honest, there was not anything that I wish I had known prior to locking.  Well, if I had to say one thing, I can say that I wish I had know just how rapid my hair would grow, that way I would have known to loc it sooner.  J

April 2010

Do you have any regrets about locking?  I’ve heard stories of women missing having their hair loose.

I do not have any regrets because one thing about hair is that it can always be cut. However, I wish I had done more research on products to use to enhance my curls (before locking).  I sometimes see the curly hair and wish that I could do the same.  I have even had thoughts of cutting my locs just so that I can see how my natural curls flourish.  However now is not the time to cut, but some day I will.

In comparison to the pre-locked Angie, what do you think about the overall health of your hair now? 

Prior to locking, my hair was not healthy at all (even though it was natural).  For some odd reason, it would reach a certain point and just break off.  I could not and still do not understand it.  Since locking two years ago I have watched my hair take on an uncontrollable growth spurt (and it does not break off).  I love it!!!

For me, natural hair has been somewhat of a new self discovery with respect to my confidence in my physical appearance.  I definitely feel sexier, I definitely step outside the box more in terms of fashion.   How about you?  Do you feel sexier with locs?

OMG!!!  Do I feel sexier!  I do indeed.  I have always felt that “sexy” is a state of mind and I feel like I have always been in that mindset.  However having locs takes my sexy to a whole (nother) level.  There is something about the color of my locs that enhances the color of my skin.  This encourages my sexy to just be.  I don’t know, maybe it is the confidence that comes with rocking the locs that increases my sexy because of the locs.

Has your regimen changed since our last interview?  Have you introduced any new products into your hair care?

I have not tried anything new as of yet, but have a few things in mind.  I will share them during the next interview.

May 2011

 

Do you plan on changing your regimen with the colder months approaching? If so, how so?

I just plan to keep my locs moisturized since the colder weather is a little more harsh on my color.  Other than that, I don’t plan to make any drastic changes.

For more on Angie click here and here.

Pi Nappa Kappa - Another Point of View

The last few weeks there has been much discussion surrounding the formation of a natural hair sorority, PiNappaKappa.  I wanted to weigh in by talking to a natural haired Greek!  My bestee, is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc…check out what she had to say. Better late than never. 

As a member of a BGLO, are you offended or do you take issue with the formation of a natural hair sorority or do you view it as a form of flattery?

No! I am not offended or take issue with the formation of a natural hair sorority.  I also don’t see it as a form of flattery per se, because I don’t think it was formed as a “sorority” to pay homage to Black Greek Organizations.  I feel that the concept of “sorority and fraternities” are so well known in the black community that when one forms a interest group, who most likely is not part of a Greek organization, they automatically call it a “sorority or fraternity”.  I also feel that if they use the term "sorority or fraternity", they feel like they have to use Greek letters in the name of their organization.

You are also natural and have been for quite some time, would you consider becoming a member of a natural hair organization, with our without the “Greek” implication?

Sure! I think it’s a pleasure to be a part of a community of individuals that share the same interest as I do.  It’s a great way to share stories, testimonies and general information about natural hair.  I don’t think it’s necessary to give it a “Greek” implication, given the history of inception and purpose of the Greek organizations.  To call it a “sorority” is fine; however, I think the misconception is in using Greek Letters.  It is a purpose of Greek organizations using Greek Letters and I think that most people that form “sororities and fraternities” outside of the traditional college experience, lose and dilute the meaning and purpose of the “Greek" organizations/letters when the incorporate it in their name, especially when they are not a "Greek" organization. 

Do you think groups such as this are creating more divide amongst black women?  (natural vs relaxed)

Absolutely Not!  I feel that it is a personal choice.  If you want to be part of either (natural or relaxed) then make the choice to be a part of whichever one suits your life better and join a “blog”, “group”, “sorority” that supports your decision.

Does labeling the group a “sorority” place a larger social responsibility on the members?

No.  It’s just an “interest” group.  I feel the only responsibility would be that members share their ideas and knowledge about the natural experience with others.

Are people overreacting?  Is this merely a positive group geared towards fellowship and support?

Yes, who cares what term they choose to label the group?   The term “sorority“ was adopted by Greek-letter college organizations.  It is defined as a group of women or girls joined together by common interest for fellowship.  If that defines a “sorority” then by all means use the term.

Fall Regimen

Shampoo
During the fall, I will shampoo once a week or every other week, depending on the style I’m rocking.
Trader Joe’s Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Shampoo (staple) Shea Moisture Organic Black Soap Deep Cleansing Shampoo.  I did add some castor oil to this shampoo as well. 
If you read my article on parabens, you know that I no longer use the Trader Joe’s shampoo or conditioner.  Last March, Walgreens had the buy 1 get 1 sale on all Shea Moisture products.  I was in Florida at the time and made my way to several locations while there as well as made an online purchase.  One of the things I picked up was this shampoo and I am just trying it out for the first time this month.  So far, so good…I’ve used it 2 or 3 times.  I am working on a review as we speak.  I had hoped to have that out this week but time got away from me.  Anywho – it’s coming soon.  I always dry my hair with a t-shirt or microfiber towel.

Conditioner
TREsemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner (staple) – I switch between this conditioner and the Trader Joe’s Balanced Moisturizing Nourish Spa Conditioner.  I also will use the Trader Joe’s Tea Tree conditioner because I like the tingle feeling on my scalp during the summer. 
Same deal with the Trader Joe’s conditioner.  I will continue with my TREsemme Naturals Nourishing Conditioner for now.  However, I am considering a new product line and may switch this up but for now, this works for me.

Deep Conditioner
Jessi Curl Weekly Deep Conditioning Treatment (staple) – Hands down my fave!  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I deep condition each and every time I shampoo.

Protein Treatment
I use Aubrey Organics Glycogen Protein Balancing Conditioner, once per month.  I apply this prior to shampooing.  I started this in July so I have only used this twice.  I will be doing my September treatment this weekend.  Once I’ve used it this weekend, I will be ready for a formal review.

Style of Choice
I will definitely be doing more protective styling during the fall.  I am considering ordering this wig or getting some afro puff twists.  I have not decided yet.  If I worked in a different environment, I would just wear my hair in twists with a beanie and call it a day.  Since that won’t work for me, I will either wear buns or some type of twists pinned up, continuing with my protective style challenge. 

Oils/Shea Butter
Coconut Oil is definitely my #1 oil of choice with olive oil in a close 2^nd.  I am still on the hunt for reasonably priced argan oil as well.
I use 100% Natural African Shea Butter to seal my ends.


General Practices
Prior to shampooing, I apply olive oil to my dry hair and detangle each section (6 sections – 3 on each side) with my fingers and put them in huge twists.  This process usually takes about 30 minutes.   Here is how much hair I lose after dry detangling. 

Shampoo with the twists still in place with emphasis on my scalp.  I do not apply the shampoo directly to my ends.
Remove one twist at a time and apply a generous amount of conditioner rinse and finger detangle, followed by a shower comb.  I then apply my deep conditioner, retwist and move on to the next twist.
I then place a plastic cap on and leave the deep conditioner on for several hours or overnight.
Once I rinse the deep conditioner, one twist at a time, I am ready to style. 
*Notice I do this entire process while my hair is in chunky twists.  If I do not, my hair will be extremely tangled and I lose more hair.
When I am done, my hair is super soft and super detangled.

No heat – Repeat, no heat.  Disclaimer, if at anytime, I decide to use heat, I reserve the right to change my mind.  In general, I use heat 3 times per year at the most.

At night, I sleep with satin scarf on a silk pillow case ALWAYS.  No exceptions.

P.S.  I LOVE THE FALL!!!!!! Goodbye flipflops and sundresses, hello boots and sweaters!

Happy Friday

More raw footage

Hola Chicas!  It's Friday...Friday...Friday! (in my Rebecca Black voice).  Hope everyone had a productive and funfilled week.  I wanted to share with everyone that starting today, my articles will be featured every Friday on the Curly Nikki site! WOOP WOOP!  She is considered the holy grail of blogs for the natural hair community, as far as I'm concerned so I am super excited! If you follow her site, which, who doesn't???, then you know I have been a part of her On The Couch series, as well as numerous Guest Blogger segments so it is not a huge departure from that.  The only difference is, it's more of a regular gig now, if you will.

J

So, if you can't get enough of me on my site, be sure to check me out every Friday.  And without further adieu, click here for this week's article! 

Muah,
XOXO

When A Flower Isn't Just A Flower

I have been wearing a flower in my hair since I was a pre- teen.  Every since watching Diana Ross in Lady Sings the Blues I fell in love with the look.  “What’s the matter, you don’t like gardenias?”  (line from the movie).  Yes, I am one of those people who recites the movie when watching.  J  Anyway, this past summer I went to Hawaii and of course I packed my flower stash.  I mean who goes to Hawaii without flowers to adorn her tresses?  It’s a must.  While browsing in one of the shops, they were selling flowers, as they do on all of the islands and my “play cousin”, Jewelee, noticed this and immediately brought it to my attention. 

Enjoy the clip!

Who knew flower placement was a public service announcement about your relationship status???  I never knew it was that deep.  I simply placed it wherever I thought it looked cute. J 

 

These are pics from Hawaii
"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair...  ~Susan Polis Shutz

You Tube Video of the Week - Thirsty Roots Video

I am a part of the Thirsty Roots community and they have this awesome video posted! Love this. Check it out!

NaturalView - Who Is Sugar

Who Is Sugar is one of those vloggers who you can’t wait to see what she will come up with next!  Her videos are outside the box, her personality is contagious and her hair is beautiful, oh wait…and she has fashion flair.  Need I say more?  I’ll let her tell you more.

Meet Who Is Sugar

I am a subscriber to your channel and often times watch your videos more than once. How did you build up such a huge following? How important has social networking been to gaining viewers?

Well, I’m a little touched. I’m lying. I’m a lot touched. O_O I think people can identify with my level of goofiness. I just recently jumped on the social networking bandwagon (as it relates to my YouTube channel). I think networking is important. I believe a lot of my subscribers came by way of someone mentioning me on the popular social networking websites. Also, it’s cool to interact with you guys via Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.

Clearly some people are born to entertain. Did your academic career include theatre or performance arts?

What a good question. Well, I’ve always been a performer of some sort. In college, I took dance class. For many years I was also a performance poet, so I’m pretty comfortable around crowds (usually).  Also as a clinician (I resigned last week) it requires a certain level of creativity to really help people in need.

What motivated you to start a YouTube channel?

#dontJudge, I started my YouTube channel because I wanted to look at some questionable videos and I had to “prove” that I was over the age of 18…that was back in 2006.

*side eye to Sug :)

How do you come up with fresh material for your channel?

I don’t know, this stuff just comes to me. Sometimes the ideas keep me up at night. O_O

I know a lot about your hair journey but for those who are not familiar with your channel please share your reasons for going natural.

I was claiming to know who I was, but I didn’t even know what my natural hair texture was… Shortly after this revelation, I big chopped.

What are the characteristics of a good vlogger?

Hmm, I’ll tell you what I look for and what keeps me watching:

1. Great fashion sense

2. Short videos

3. Funny videos that are kind of busy and all over the place

4. People who don’t take themselves too seriously

5. People who appear to be comfortable in front of the camera (to include not saying uh, um, but too much)

Do you have any favorites that you watch?  

I do have favorites, but due to the political nature of this question, I’m not going to list them.

I know you consider heat “the devil” but I also know you will straighten your hair from time to time. Some people think you are not really natural if you dye your hair or straighten it with a flat iron. What is your response to that?

*singing*” IF YOU ARE WHAT YOU SAY YOU ARE, A SUPERSTAR. THEN HAVE NO FEAR…” Let people be who they want to be. Matta fact, what does someone else’s perception of themselves have to do with you? #thatisall

How do you feel about hair typing?

I hate it. I especially hate the ABCD !@#$ typing system.

I think it’s divisive.  I hate it too. I especially hate 4C LAWD! Take me higher.

Do you have a product or product line that you simply can’t do without?  

Haggen Dazs. O_O  Water. Jojoba oil. Coconut oil. The water is kinda free. Jojoba and coconut oils are from the health food or grocery stores.

Your channel deals a lot with fashion with your entertaining Outfit of the Day segments, which I love! I wrote an article for TCR entitled Hair and Heels discussing the relationship between hair and fashion. What is your view on the topic?

Thanks by the way. Hmmm... When I’m busted….my hair and outfit are usually busted together.  You can tell when I clearly do not care. However, chile…when I’m feeling cute, I’m usually cute all over.

I love your fashion sense. Any thrifting tips you can share?

Glad you asked…I have a video about that. *wink* But Sug, I would rather read. Ok, ok.  *whispers* Video 45…

Tip 1. Don’t go broke in the thrifts store.

Tip 2. Know your measurements and bring a tape measure just in case you can’t try on the clothing.

Tip 2. If you can try on the clothing, make sure to wear tights and a fitted top so you can slip the clothing on top of your clothes…yes in the aisle.

Tip 4. Look for holes, missing buttons, does the zipper work, is garment in good shape, does it have snags, etc.

You have had great success with your hair when it comes to length retention and overall health. What do you attribute that to?

Genetics, Water, Nutrition. I try not to man handle it either.  

Do you ever intend on revisiting your blog? YES! Chile, I have been having HUGE drama with it. #JesusTakeTheWheel  Soon.

Freestyle: Anything else you would like to share….about fashion, hair or any topic.

It’s ok to be strange.

It’s ok to accept yourself as is.

Stop trying to make your hair do something that it is not meant to do.

When it doubt, wear it anyway…even if it’s around the house.

Stop giving your power away.

Love yourself like your life depends on it, because it does.

But Sug, how can we stay connected???  Stay connected with my girl, Who Is Sugar!

YouTube

Facebook 

 Twitter

Curly Chic

Celebrity Natural Shout Out - Solange

How do you spell gorgeous?  S-O-L-A-N-G-E

Love this pic from last night’s Rimmel London event.

Source

Raw Photos - Natural Hair

I said I wasn’t going to do “length checks” anymore because I am honestly satisfied with my current length.  Would I like to grow my hair longer?  Yes but I don’t want that to be my sole focus.  Kinda like the way I handle the scale.  I do want to lose a few pounds but I don’t want to really formally track my progress.  That puts too much pressure on me and creates a lot of anxiety for me.  This is not a good thing.  However, the other day when I took down my protective style (twists), I did do a little "check" but no measuring, etc.  I honestly don’t think it’s grown much but I did snap a few photos so I thought I would share.  This is all love right?  Good - keep in mind, this is straight up raw footage!  Please #dontjudge.

Check out this major shrinkage!  This was actually taken in April.  I was extremely sick with a 24 hour bug so be nice.  #blogdedication for yo a$$!

Preview of what's coming next week:  Another awesome NaturalView with one of my favorite You Tuber divas, my updated skin care regimen and a few product reviews!  Exciting!

Peace and Love.

You Tube Video of The Week! Protective Styles

Hello ladies!

In light of the Protective Styling challenge I am participating in, I thought this would be a great inspirational video for those of you who are also looking for some ideas.  I struggle with this so this video was right on time for me!  Enjoy!

What a Mane Wants

The relationship between you and your coils, like any relationship, is a give and take.  You put in work, you reap the rewards.   Not surprisingly, what a mane wants is pretty similar to what your mate wants.  

1.       Attention

Who doesn’t love attention from their mate? It doesn’t need to be 24/7 but it does need to be consistent. Your tresses are no different. In order to have a healthy head of hair that thrives and flourishes, you must give it attention.  (deep conditioning, proper detangling,etc.)

2.       Listening Ear

Listening to your mane will eliminate a lot of frustration. If there is a need for moisture, it will tell you by appearing and feeling dry and brittle. If it is suffering from breakage, it will tell you by appearing all over your bathroom sink.  If you notice unfavorable results after using a certain product, discontinue use.  That is your hair’s way of telling you it doesn’t like it.

3.       Peace

Give it a rest.  Too much of anything is never a good thing.  Cliché?  Yes.  True?  Absolutely.  Too much handling and manipulation can do more harm than good.  Protective styles are a great way to keep you from the constant detangling, retwisting, etc.  It can all get to be too much.  This can be a challenge though, especially for those of us used to wearing our hair wild and out. 

4.       Lose the Tension

Too much tension is uncomfortable for all involved.  If you are constantly putting strain and tension on your strands, they will suffer.  No one loves a bun more than me but use caution when gathering the hair.  Pulling it too tight will inevitably result in breakage and thinning hairline and edges.

My Latest TCR Article Word Is Bond: How to Determine the Credibility of a Hair Care Source

The natural hair community is constantly on a quest for information on how to take care of their mane. Whether it be basic care tips or product selection, there is a great desire for knowledge. The internet can be a helpful source to find that information. But, when it comes to natural hair care, it is nothing short of viral. Anyone can create a website, be an author of a blog or record a YouTube video. So how does the average user know that the results displayed are accurate? It can be difficult streaming through the multitude of data available and discerning if it is credible.

Click here to check out the article in its entirety on The Coil Review.

7 Mistakes Most Naturals Make



Source



I consider myself an “experienced” natural, whatever that’s worth.  Not much because I have been natural for many years and am just now getting the hang of it.  Looking back, I didn’t know jack about my hair.  It all seems like such common sense and second nature now, but I was really uneducated about my hair.  I am still constantly seeking more and more information.  I will always be a student in that regard.

1.   Not detangling

      Never, not once did I properly detangle my hair, if at all.  I would simply shampoo and condition my hair, throw some Motions foam wrap lotion and Paul Mitchell foaming pomade and keep it moving.  I barely used a comb!  Now, it was cute but that’s it.  It was not healthy in the least bit.  Surprisingly I didn’t lose a lot of hair; however, I was not retaining length either. 

2.   Sleeping without a satin cap/scarf

      At night I would lay my head down straight gorilla style!  The only time I slept with a satin cap/scarf was when I straightened my hair.  WTW?  I know...makes no sense, which leads me to the next mistake on my list…using excessive heat.

3.   Using excessive heat

      I was one of those naturals who flaunted her curls during the summer months and danced with the devil (flat iron) the other 9 months out of the year.  I shampooed my hair once per week, grabbed the flat iron and smoothed it across my hair with no heat protectant, no nothing.  Just 350-400 degrees of direct heat on my blonde tresses.  Can you say dry and brittle? 

4.   Shampooing too frequently

      When I wore my hair straight, I shampooed weekly, however when I wore it curly, I shampooed every single day.  I eventually cut this down to every other day out of pure laziness but until then, I cleansed every single morning!  That’s what natural hair meant to me – get up, shampoo, hit the door.  This was the case no matter the length.  I wore my hair extremely short and cropped and as it got longer, I used the same practice.

5.   Not knowing product ingredients

      I did not ever look at the ingredients on the bottle of the products I used.  The farthest I ever went to research ingredients was to only use gel that did not contain alcohol.  *blank stare* yep that’s it.  Sulfates?  Parabens?  Huh?  No clue what any of that was.  You would think a licensed cosmetologist would know these things right?  NOPE!  Ingredients were not touched on at all during my 2 1/2 years in Cosmetology school.

6.   Not adding or sealing moisture

      Natural hair is by nature, dry, but I just assumed that’s the way it was supposed to be.  I thought all brown people had dry hair and it would remain that way unless you added some time of oil to it.  Not natural oils, but more precisely silicone laced serums, which leads me to my next mistake. 

7.   I thought having natural hair meant automatic growth.  I didn’t realize that the key to growth and retention was moisture.  No moisture = dry hair = breakage = no retention.  Simple right?  Not to someone who has not researched and paid attention to their hair. 

      What’s that old saying?  If I knew then what I know now….man, I hate that it took me so long to become aware of what was going on with my hair but I am so grateful to know it now.  I don’t know everything, no one does, but I think I’m going in the right direction. 

What mistakes can you add to this list?

*This article was also published on CurlyNikki.com last week.